Great to see you on this side of the forum Johan.
...and don't forget to take a pic of their arm pitch mechanism.

I still want piccys of the V8 :)

Hey Richard, I Taylor moore has V-8. Here is a link to his website where you can ask him for more pics. http://www.moorefilms.com/production.htm

Thanks Charles, I’ve sent him an email and I hope to hear soon.

But in the meantime, pictures form anyone else would b gr8:)

V8 Pics.
 

Take a look at these.

http://home.mindspring.com/~ricks-pi...pedglidecamv8/

I modified our V8 a bit after actually using it.

First, the provided monitor is absolutely useless in bright light, especially sunlight. I replaced it with a Color TFT LCD monitor.

Second, I ran the video cable through the post, bringing it out through a drilled hole, up near the camera.

Third, I attached a Canon battery adapter to the sled that powers the new monitor and also acts as part of the ballast. This configuration also help in battery changes since you do not have to manhandle the monitor to remove and attach the battery.

Fourth, I added a remote zoom/camera controler from Studio 1. http://www.studio1productions.com/dzc1.htm

This facilitates starting and stopping the camera as well as adjusting your zoom setting by being close to your control hand so that your hand does not have to "travel" as far from from the rig while setting up you shot.

Fifth, I added a small line level as a reference.

Hope this helps, RB.

Thanks Rick

Rick, what brand monitor did you get?

Rick, I was looking at your pic of the zoom controller and would like to mention that your deesion to put it there might not have been a good move.

Before I explain why let me ask, how are your shots coming out now that you have placed the the zoom control where you have it now?

Now, the reason I said it might not have been a good move, it will impart some disturbance or motion to the rig when you try to handle the zoom control during operation. A good place for such a gadget would be on the gimbal where your right hand controls the gimbal. This way you will not impart any kind of outside interference that will disturb the balance of the rig.

The using of the left hand should be to lightly control the rig with a slight touch of the operating hand, in your case the left hand just at the gimbal or undernearth it. Seeing that your zoom contoller is a little more further away from the gimbal it mgiht just lend to it some interference.

I have a Varizoom controler. How far away
from the gimbal should it be placed?
And if I understand, it should be operated
with the right hand, correct?

Not for use during the shot.
 

Charles,

Yeah, I'd say it would be pretty much impossible, except for the one little thing you didn't know about me...I have 3 arms!!! :)

Seriously,

I absolutely DO NOT use the controller during the shot. It is strictly used for starting and stopping the camera and for making last minute tweaks to the zoom setting while blocking the shot...before rolling.

I found that it was easier to maintain framing by having less travel time to the pause/record button on the camera as well as not having to impart extra pressure on the camera itself while the rig was not supported by my left hand. It also made it possible to adjust the zoom without having to reach around and having to hunt for the rocker depending on which way the camera is oriented.

Dave,

I don't remember offhand. I'll check in the morning when I get to the office and re-post.

RB

Ohhh. I thought you were using the controler
*while* you were shooting.

"I have a Varizoom controler. How far away
from the gimbal should it be placed?
And if I understand, it should be operated
with the right hand, correct?"


Dave, The optimum place would be on the gimbal handle itself. This is perfect because it is right where your hand is suppose to be. Your operatiing hand is just there to position or guide the sled but I guess you knew that already.


Rick, I undestand. I thought you were operating it at the same time you were operating the rig. Thanks for clearing things up.

Here we go...
 

Dave,

The monitor is 5 1/2 inches and is made by DELVCAM.

http://www.tecnec.com/products/pages/delv-pro56.html

The model number is DELV-PRO56 .

RB

Rick,

I really like the idea to use BP-9xx series to power the monitor! Where did you found this Canon battery adapter? I would really like to put one on my stabilizer.